Students have 'new outlook on life' after Out Back program

Students describe 11 days in NH without phones, computers

Holderness School junior Jason Nunez of New York City is welcomed by family friend Susan Levin Paine Thursday as he return to pavement from 11 days hiking in the White Mountains without a cellphone, laptop or even a tent. "I appreciate everything more," he said of his take-away from the Out Back Program.

(Paula Tracy photo)

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Holderness School junior Jason Nunez of New York City is welcomed by family friend Susan Levin Paine Thursday as he return to pavement from 11 days hiking in the White Mountains without a cellphone, laptop or even a tent. "I appreciate everything more," he said of his take-away from the Out Back Program.

(Paula Tracy photo)

Holderness School student Jason Nunez of New York City said he has a new outlook on life after completing an 11-day hike across the White Mountains, including three days of being alone in the cold and snowy woods.

"I appreciate everything more," said the 17-year-old, after getting off a mini-bus which delivered him to an enthusiastic crowd of parents, students and supporters gathered on the campus Thursday morning.

"I missed my bed, yeah I missed the bed the most," he said.

Leaving cellphones, laptops, watches and every high-tech gadget teens are used to, the students left pavement on Monday, March 3 and hiked over 25 miles over 4,000-foot peaks on snowshoes, wearing 70-pound packs. There were no tents, only tarps to protect them from the cold, rain and snow.

To make matters worse, last Friday, they were given rations and sent out for a three-day solo experience, in which they were asked to write themselves a letter.

Susan Levin Paine of New York City, whose son, Sam, was also on the quest, said initially her son's best friend Jason was not going to go and had no interest in going on Out Back. But in the end, when other students said that it was an accomplishment he would miss out on, he decided reluctantly to go.

"It's an incredible accomplishment," said Paine, who herself went as a student in 1981.

Even her son was not looking forward to it but "was resigned to it" knowing it was an essential part of the Holderness School experience.

While there was some gorgeous weather during that period, this past Tuesday's rain was dispiriting for many of the students.

Images: Local students participate in Out Back program

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For most teenagers, going without a cellphone or computer for a weekend could be considered a life-altering event, and then there are the teens that participate in Out Back.

"It was dumping," said Parker Weekes, 17, of Sun Valley, Idaho. "I am terrified of being alone," but he survived the solo and found it "life-changing."

Ann Rasmussen of Plymouth was joyfully there to welcome her daughter, Emily.

"I couldn't believe how happy she is. I am in awe of this whole thing," she said.

Jesse Ross of Gilford said he missed light shoes the most. He had to wear rubber boots on his snowshoes. And he said the one thing he learned was "group dynamics." They were placed in groups of about eight students and had to work together to get through.

His mother, Sue, said she began to worry about Out Back from the day he became a freshman.

"I worried that he would have adequate food," she said. "But he looks great."

She said, "It was a test for me, too."

One family had three generations who have now all accomplished the Out Back experience.

Loli Hammond, a faculty spouse, went out at age 51 to help. She said she was in good shape and it was hard but not awful. She was there to see her grandson, Chase O'Connor, return with her daughter and son-in-law, who also went to the school and experienced Out Back in the 1980s.

Chase said Tuesday was a test.

"It was freezing," he said of the rain.

The students get a few weeks to relax with their family and friends on break and take in the experience but what seemed a constant was that everyone was proud they did it, happy to be back to creature comforts, and that they had a lifetime experience in the outdoors that they will never forget.